Mecan River Fishery Area

The Mecan River State Fishery Area contains some of the finest trout streams in Central Wisconsin. The waters are generally crystal-clear and support excellent natural trout reproduction through 31.1 miles of the total 48.7 miles of stream length. Chaffee and Wedde Creeks and the Mecan River are three of only a few streams in the entire state that have naturally reproducing rainbow trout populations. Most of the water is Class I brown and rainbow trout streams which receive heavy public fishing use.

All of the properties within the Mecan River Fishery Area are located in southwest Waushara County and northwest Marquette County. The headwaters of all four streams originate in Waushara County and flow south or southeast. Wedde Creek is a tributary to Chaffee Creek, while Chaffee and Little Pine Creeks are direct tributaries to the Mecan River. The Mecan River System is a major tributary of the Fox River watershed in the Lake Michigan drainage.

The vegetative cover of the uplands is rich with diversity from lowland brush and woodlands to upland forests and grasslands. Additionally, many old agricultural fields have been abandoned and are reverting to natural vegetation; others have planted into pine plantations, converted into native prairies, or continued to be farmed in share-crop agreements. This unique mix of woods, water and fields provides prime habitat for a variety of wildlife species.

A wildlife refuge was established at the headwaters of the Mecan River to protect a local population of Giant Canada geese. Documented goose use dates back to the 1920’s and peaked at a population of 5,000 – 6,000 birds in the mid 1950’s. The Mecan Springs provide open water late in winter. Today goose numbers in the refuge peak at approximately 1,000 birds.

Portions of the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail traverse through the Area with the occasional loop providing a structured and safe trail. There are year-round recreational opportunities; from canoeing and snowshoeing to fishing and hunting. There are numerous parking areas scattered throughout the property providing ample access points. There are 36 parking lots located along the Mecan River System. Most of these are small areas designed to accommodate 10 cars or less.

Source: WDNR